The road to citizenship
by Erika Guedez, Community Resource Manager
It all starts on a Tuesday at 6:00am.
I wake up and organize my day with my husband. I prepare lunch, get my daughter ready, and take her to daycare. Then I head to work. Tuesdays are the longest days for me. I arrive at Mission Adelante at 8:30am, update information, answer emails, messages, and calls, and prepare the attendance list to organize the citizenship class groups.
I know, I admit it: sometimes I'm a little intense about making sure none of the students miss class. For me, every day counts, especially because Tuesdays also exist thanks to people with hearts willing to serve. Volunteers, men and women who, like the students, come from demanding jobs, family responsibilities, and long days. However, they decide to give their time because they believe in this purpose.
My Tuesdays usually end at 8:30 or 9:00p.m.
And perhaps someone is wondering: Is this worth it?
Absolutely.
We are a ministry, and our classroom is a space of faith, service, and community. We don't just teach exam questions; we accompany people, listen to stories, and walk together.
Our citizenship classes prepare eligible individuals for the USCIS interview and exam. Each person who enters the classroom has a different story. Some attend for their children, to give them a more secure future. Others come seeking better living conditions or fleeing violence, to be able to vote, travel without fear, or finally feel part of the country that has welcomed them. They all share something: the desire to belong, to have a voice, and to find stability.
Because it is well known that we don't choose where we are born, but we do choose how we write our story.
Latino immigrants and immigrants from many other regions have been key to the workforce and the evolution of this country, thanks to their persistence in planting a dream in fertile ground. And that's when we understand that life presents us with challenges, not the ones we want, but the ones we need.
Our students begin with courage: with open books, nervous about learning new words, with questions about history, government, and rights. After long days of work, they still find the strength to sit down and study with volunteer teachers who believe in them. I see their quiet effort when they’re repeating the 100 or 128 questions over and over, practicingfor their interviews, and overcoming their fear of English.
And it's not just a "why?" but a "what for?"
What for?
To open doors.
To reunite with family.
To have job security.
To stop feeling like they're living "on loan."
To say with pride: this is my home too.
Each class is more than just information; it's an act of faith, perseverance, and a reminder that dreams have no borders. And the best way to answer whether all of this is worthwhile is to listen to those who have already walked this path:
Hi, how are you? My name is Jesús Leyva, and I had the great opportunity to take citizenship classes at Mission Adelante. It was truly a wonderful experience. From the first day, they make you feel like family. All the teachers and team members are very professional, with an excellent attitude. I am especially grateful to my teacher, Dean; I have no words to explain everything he did for me. I appreciate the time he dedicated to each of the students, and when he found out I had my interview date, he continued meeting with me to practice, even after classes had ended. The day of the interview was filled with emotions: nervousness, fear, but also confidence, knowing that I had prepared for this moment. It's not easy; it requires commitment to yourself and the support of those who prepare you. It's all a combination, a true team effort. Thank you very much. Thank you for helping me obtain my citizenship.
Then, the day of the ceremony arrives: the flags, the smiles, the hands over their hearts. They are no longer just immigrants: they are new citizens of the United States. Behind that certificate are nights of study, sacrifices, tears, and a lot of faith.
Like Jesus, many other students are also writing their story. But citizenship is not the end. It is just the beginning of a new stage. It is helping others walk the same path, participating in the community, starting businesses, studying, and dreaming without limits.
Those who were students yesterday become role models today. They demonstrate that integration is possible, that effort is worthwhile, and that every immigrant story has a purpose.
Because citizenship doesn't just change a status.
It changes lives, it changes families, it changes generations.
And to every person who is starting their classes today, we say: Yes, you can. Your future is being written too.
Key Dates in 2026
Trimester 1
Come and See Nights: March 2nd-5th, 6:30-8:30pm
Visit us during program times, learn more about our ministry, and watch our leaders in action! Sign up for Come and See Nights here.